Trump to shift away from DEI visa policy that ‘surged’ under Biden, expert says

President Donald Trump has initiated a significant policy shift concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal operations, including visa programs. On January 20, 2025, he signed Executive Order 14151, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” This order mandates the cessation of all DEI-related mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities across federal agencies. Agencies are also required to report any employees involved in DEI and “environmental justice” roles to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within 60 days.

This executive order aligns with a broader trend observed in both public and private sectors, where DEI initiatives are facing increased scrutiny and rollback. Major corporations, including Salesforce, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Deloitte, have reduced or eliminated DEI programs amid changing legal landscapes and public sentiment. A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll indicates that 59% of Americans oppose such rollbacks, highlighting a complex national discourse on diversity and inclusion efforts.

In the realm of immigration, the Trump administration has introduced the “Gold Card” visa program, offering foreign nationals U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. This initiative seeks to replace the existing EB-5 program, which requires job creation and lower investment thresholds. While aiming to attract affluent individuals who can contribute economically, the “Gold Card” program has raised concerns regarding potential abuses and security risks.

These policy changes reflect the administration’s commitment to revising DEI-related initiatives and immigration programs. However, they also prompt discussions about their broader implications for diversity, economic investment, and societal impact.